Promoters Behind Metallica’s Botched India Concert Get Bail

The four promoters charged with bungling Metallica's planned concert in India last month have been granted bail, the Hindustan Times reports. The employees of DNA Entertainment Network stand accused of cheating fans out of what was to have been the enduring metal band's first Indian performance.

There had been rumblings of permit drama leading up to the Oct. 28 event, and after organizers postponed the concert by one day, citing "serious technical difficulties," they reportedly failed to secure the necessary permits and were forced to pull the plug altogether.

Rajesh Kumar, DNA's general manager, was arrested, along with Umesh Chinara, Ashok Singh and Savio Falerio. They were charged with fraud, and while all four were freed on bail, they've been asked not the leave the country without permission from the court, as the case is pending.

The DNA employees claim that they did not cheat fans and maintain that the concert was canceled due to the audience's rowdy behavior following the initial postponement. On the bail application, they stated: "DNA Entertainment Network had made all necessary arrangements for the show. The show couldn't happen because some fans broke the barricade."

Rioting fans are also said to have vandalized and destroyed stage equipment, leaving organizers unable to carry on with the show, since they could not fix or replace equipment on such short notice.

Some sources suggest that the crowd's agitation was sparked by late-opening gates. DNA has also been accused of selling tickets beyond capacity and not informing customers of the cancellation.